Barcelona 'edge closer' to Coutinho deal
Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho is reportedly edging closer to a move to Barcelona as the two clubs are set for talks over the playmaker's future.
Coutinho wanted to make the move away from Anfield in the summer but was blocked, although the Catalan giants have not yet given up hope of signing their man.
Even though his contract doesn't run out until 2022, Barcelona remain confident in signing the 25-year-old during the January transfer window.
According to Spanish publication 'Mundo Deportivo', the La Liga leaders will send representatives to Liverpool later this month so that talks can progress before the January window opens.
It is also reported that Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde wants confirmation on whether the Reds are willing to let go of their prize asset as soon as possible, as he believes the Brazilian would need some time to adapt to the Spanish league, and the Catalan giants face a busy schedule in the new year.
The aforementioned source claim that Barcelona will submit an initial bid of 80 million euros, with an addition on 30 million in bonuses to secure the signing.
Valverde sees the potential signing of COutinho as a tactical move to give Andres Iniesta some respite in the league and domestic cups.